Small Business Ideas That Work Around Your Life

**Collaborative post**

For many parents, going from the workplace to being an at-home parent can be great for a while. But many people find themselves wanting to set up something small. Sometimes it is to make money; other times, it’s because a small business gives people a sense of purpose and something to do in the little spare time they have. 

So, are you ready to set up your company? Let’s take a look at some businesses that work well around other commitments. 

Dropshipping 

Maybe you don’t want to be too hands-on and like the idea of setting something up that could run without much input. Dropshipping offers that. You can set up an e-commerce website, find some suppliers, and auto-populate your website, and that is it. Although dropshipping is relatively easy, you should do plenty of research first – and choose a niche. 

Digital marketing

Everything is on the internet now, and that means there are plenty of small businesses that need to have digital marketing experts on hand. You can start small by practising with your own website and offering your services for free or at a reduced price to cut your teeth. 

Marketing is some of the most important investments that a company can make, so it is important that if you do choose this route, you put in some legwork in advance. 

Check out some online courses, read plenty of articles, and look to experts for guidance on software, strategies, and case studies. You can also join relevant webinars and zoom meetings to help you, but don’t worry about having to remember all you watch you can use a screen recorder to ensure you don’t miss anything important. 

Translations

If you know more than one language, you have a unique and valuable skill. Many businesses want to ensure that their local websites have the right grammar and style of language. Not only that, but brilliant texts are in-depth studies that are completed in many different languages, and translation of those texts is essential. 

Translation services can work around you, and you can choose to do larger projects or short ones. 

Content and copywriting

Some people are naturally talented with words; others have to work at it – but both can have successful careers built around their life. As a freelance writer, you can cover everything from blogs, case studies, eBooks, web content, press releases, and so much more. 

While writing is the main skill, to give yourself even more of a chance of finding great work, it is important to skill up. Learning the basics of SEO will mean that you can offer your clients. SEO will help your clients meet their goals with traffic and keywords. 

You can also choose to specialize in a niche and become a specialist/expert in the industry. 

Transcription 

Podcasts, videos, webinars, and interviews usually require someone to transcribe the interview afterward. This turns the recording into an article, blog posts, social media content, and more. 

You’ll need to listen to the recording repeatedly and decide how the vocals will make sense in the content. 

There are some software options that can help to make the process easier – but ultimately, it will be up to you to make it make sense. 

While you can start transcription services without qualifications, there are options to become qualified for things like medical transcription services. Although some transcription projects will be weeks long, anything medical usually needs to be transcribed and returned in 24 hours or less. 

What makes transcription work so enticing is that you can take work when you need it, and there are no startup costs. All you’ll need is something to listen on, an internet connection, and some typing skills. 

It’s also a good idea to have Grammarly or another spell and grammar checker.

Coaching

Life coaching and business coaching are big businesses. Who doesn’t love to have guidance on the big decisions in their life? Coaches can choose how their clients are allowed to be content with them and interact with them. It might be email-only coaching, it could be a call each week, or you might choose face-to-face clients. 

Although you don’t need to have a qualification to coach, it is helpful to have some experience in the area you will be coaching in. 

Coaching focuses on improving the focus and performance of people in specific areas of their life. It is important to keep in mind that coaches don’t need to be experts; instead, they are facilitators – and help people to achieve their goals. 

Handmade products 

If you have a hobby that creates something, and you notice that you have a stash quickly stacking up – it might be time to start selling them. It could be anything from handmade jewellery, candles, artwork, furniture, or clothing. 

If you make it, there will most likely be a market for it – all you need to do is find them. There are plenty of online communities that support small businesses that design and make handmade products. These can be invaluable sources of support and networking. 

You can set up on Etsy, as well as your own website, and Instagram is a great option since it is such a visual platform. 

Typically people recommend not turning a hobby into a source of income; however, when you enjoy doing something and can make money from it, that can also be a dream for people. 

Print-on-demand

Perhaps you have a flair for artwork, or you can have ideas that you’d be winning to pay for to be brought to life by an artist. These designs can be put on t-shirts, mugs, bookmarks, and so much more. 

You can take steps to print these at home yourself, or you can choose to set up a print-on-demand store. 

Here are some of the options available: 

• AOP+ Easy
• JetPrint
• Lulu xPress
• Teelaunch
• Teemill
• Apliiq 
• SPOD
• Printify
• Printful

Although there are plenty of other options, it is usually free to start your account and upload your designs. However, you will only be making a small amount on each sale. For many people, this can be a great way to make money off their artwork without needing to make anything yourself. 

You also have the option to upgrade your account and access extra features that can help with marketing and other things. 

Resellers

Reselling can be a fun way to spend time, but it can be one of the most time-consuming options. You will choose products that you can buy online in bulk and resell them as individual products. 

When buying wholesale and in bulk, you can get a hefty discount and make money by selling everything singularly. 

Alibaba is one of the most talked-about marketplaces for wholesale and bulk products. 

Subscription boxes

Subscription boxes have increased in popularity – and that is because they are great treats for the people buying them. You’d need to choose the types of products and source suppliers for at least a few months of your subscription box. 

While you get your subscription box off the ground, it is better to avoid any goods that have a use-by date – so that you can sell the boxes at any time. 

Subscription boxes usually come in rolling subscription options or other upfront monthly payment options. 

The great thing about subscription boxes is that you can choose any niche that you are interested in. It could be music goods, books, stationery, snacks, skincare, and more. 

A subscription box business is also a business that can scale and grow well, too – so long as you have good relationships with your suppliers. 

Maybe you’re a social media addict and want to make cash from your social platforms: 4 Creative Ways Everyone Can Make Money With Social Media – Emmy’s Mummy.